GREECE Flashcards
What seas surround Greece?
- the Aegean to the east
- Ionian to the west
- Libyan to the south of Crete
What does the term grand cru mean in the world of Greek wine?
Applies to certain sweet wines, made via the VDN process sourced from select vineyards of a given region, typically from higher elevation sites.
What is Mavroudi?
Generic term for unknown red grapes (mavro means black) but also the name of an indigenous variety
Describe the general climate of the Cyclades.
The hottest and driest conditions in Greece.. excaberated by relentless winds year round that can mess with fruit set in the spring and increase water stress. The Meltemi in the early fall can stall photosynthesis. **However challenging, the wind is considered essential to balancing the wines and extending the growing season.
So dry that the only source of water is often morning dew and fog
What event changed Thrace’s winemaking fortune?
Tsantali established an outpost in Thrace in the 1990s, providing investment in the area and also lobbying for the creation of a number of PGIs
What does Paleomenos se Vareli mean?
Greek term for PDO PGI and Varietal wines labelled with cava, reserve, or grande reserve - indicating extended oak aging beyond required minimums
Describe Agiorgitiko as a varietal.
ah-yohr-YEE-tee-koh
“St George’s Grape”: red; planted in various places, primarily in Attica and central Peloponnese. The sole variety allowed in the Nemea PDO. One of Greece’s best known varieties - tends to make wines that are deeply colored, full of soft plummy fruit tinged with spice/cocoa.. high acid/high tannin.
What does the term Grand/Grande Reserve apply to in the world of Greek wine? What are the requirements?
For PDO wines only; refers to a min. of oak aging.
Whites: 2 years oak w/ at least 1 in barrel and 6 in bottle. Cannot be aged in barrels larger than 600 liters.
Reds: 4 years age with at least 18 in barrel and 18 in bottle.
Describe Debina as a varietal
Important to Epirus- excels as a sparkling wine and in still forms in high-elevation Zitsa PDO. Drought sensitive. Makes wines that are elegant and refreshing, even if simple, with semi-aromatic noses of green apple and lemon. Low alcohol, generally high acid.
What is the Meltemi?
Greek wind regularly sweeping the Aegean - name loosely translate to “a year of bad weather”. Blows very dry air from the north typically between mid-May and late September. **especially profound affect on Santorini
- strong enough to interfere with tourism, as it can ground planes. Also interferes with photosynthesis as its strong enough to trigger the vine’s stomata to close
What PDO for dry reds is unique in mandating co-fermentation of a red and a white grape?
PDO Paros: min. 35% mandilaria with the balance being monemvasia
Describe Liatiko as a varietal
lee-AH-teeko
Indigenous to Crete. Red; early ripener. Low in tannin and color. Medium acidity w/ pronounced floral aromatics. Notable in Daphnes (flies solo) and in Sitia (blended with Mandilaria).
What does the term asproudi refer to?
In the world of greek wine, a generic term for unknown white grapes.
Describe Athiri as a varietal.
Likely native to Santorini - neutral variety. Widely planted thanks to its drought resistance and ability to provide quality at high crop levels. Medium acid, alcohol, floral and citrus but also neutral toned.
Notable PDOs: Slopes of Meliton, Santorini, Rhodes
Where is Nemea PDO and what is it known for?
Nemea is in the Corinth district, NE corner of the Peloponnese. Large PDO with 17 villages, divided into 3 distinct zones based on altitude. Agioritiko is the main grape and blends with intl varieties, especially cab sauv, are popular
Where is the producer Papagiannakos located and what are they known for?
Papagiannakos is based in Attica, a region known for Retsina and mass production. They have shown the heights of what is possible for both Attica and Savatiano, by focusing on old vines and top shelf techniques. He produces varietal Savatiano that is compelling and age worthy as well as subtle interpretations of Retsina that challenge popular conceptions.
Describe Thrace’s climate.
Mediterranean but some inland areas are more continental. Cool northern winds are blocked by the Rodopi Mtns; warm wet air comes from the Aegean. Significant humidity - botrytis is a concern.
Where is the Drama region?
Macedonia. Forms the eastern border with Thrace - further inland with a continental climate. International varieties dominate here.
Where is Mount Ainos and to what PDO is it important to, and why.
Mount Ainos is the tallest mountain on Cephalonia - it is important to the Robola of Cephalonia PDO, where the finest wines come from the limestone-rich slopes from 400 to 800ft.
What is Nykteri?
Traditional Santorini wine - a full bodied, high alcohol, high acidity, and highly distinctive. The grapes are picked before dawn, pressed within a day and then aged in barrel for a min. 3 months. Sometimes a flor develops.
What does the term Reserve mean in the world of Greek wine?
For PDO wines only: min. oak aging.
Whites: 1 year with at least 6 months in barrel and 3 in btl
Reds: 2 years aging with min 12 in barrel and 6 in bottle
Describe Greece’s general terrain.
70% mountains - 3rd most mountainous country after Switzerland and Austria. There is very little flat terrain -the few existing plains are found in the regions of Thessaly, Sterea Ellada, Macedonia, and Thrace. There are very few lakes and almost no major rivers.
What are the legal requirements for Retsina?
- Can be made anywhere within 15 specific appellations having the right to be listed on the label.
- Must be made exclusively from Savatiano and Roditis
- Sap must come from Aleppo pine trees (pinus halepensis)
- resin must account for .15% to 1% of wine’s final volume
- cannot be labelled with a vintage
What are Achaia’s 4 PDOs? What are their respective grapes and wines?
Patras: 100% Roditis, dry white
Muscat of Patras: 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
Muscat of Rio Patras: 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
Mavrodaphne of Patras: min 51% mavrodaphne + corinthiaki. Sweet, fortified port-like wines
Achaia PGI - where is it, what is it
District PGI - North of Arcadia, west of Corinth.. forms the northernmost coast of the Peloponnese. Wine and raisins are both prevalent. Some of the steepest slopes in Greece are here. Home to Patras the city and the 4 PDOs of Patras.
Where is PDO Daphnes? What styles of wine are made here?
On the island of Crete, in the Iraklion sector. Dry and sweet wines from 100% Liatiko. Sweet wines can be made via fortification or air drying.
Describe the climate of the Peloponnese.
The very center is continental, but the rest is considered hot Mediterranean. Elevation and proximity to the coast mitigate heat. Rainfall is highest in the west while conditions in the east are arid.
Describe Muscat Blanc’s place in Greek wine.
Thought to originate in Greece. Very very ancient vine. Possibly the oldest vinifera still cultivated today. Thanks to long lineage and mutable nature, there is a whole family of offspring and clones. Muscat Blanc here refers to Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains. Its the finer Muscat with smaller berries and more complex aromas. Only appears in dessert wine PDOs - Muscat of Cephalonia, Muscat of Patras, Muscat of Rhodes, Muscat of Rio Patras, Samos.
What is unique about viticulture on Rhodes?
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodacanese - it is hot and dry but is unique in its access to freshwater reserves that can be used for irrigation.
Rhodes was also known for years as a supplier of “Greek Champagne”
What is Megas Oenos?
A blend of Agioritiko and Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new french oak… by Skouras that played a major role in modernizing Nemea, from the mid-1980s on
What year did Greece gain its independence?
What year did Greece join the EU?
1832
1981
Describe Vidiano as a varietal.
Native to Crete. Not quantitatively significant but is possibly one of the island’s finest whites. Strong ability to retain acid in extreme heat.
What seas lie on either side of Crete?
The Aegean and the Libyan
Where is PDO Archanes? What styles of wine are made here?
Archanes is in the Iraklion sector of Crete. Dry reds from Kotsifali and Mandilaria.
Describe Santorini’s soils.
Almost no clay - phylloxera-free like the rest of the Cyclades. So volcanic and poor with almost no organic matter… even olive trees cannot survive. Much of the soil is tinted black with volcanic basalt over metamorphosed limestone and schist
Describe Robola as a varietal.
“Assyrtiko’s little brother”
Important in the Ionian islands and is at its best on Cephalonia where it makes a crisp, refreshing dry wine.
Naturally high in acid, medium to high alcohol, mineral tone, neutral lemony nose. Not related to Ribolla Gialla.
What are the two PGIs for traditional Greek styles?
Retsina
Verdea - an oxidized white from Ionian island Kakynthos
What company was the first to bottle wine in Greece?
Boutari, founded 1879 in Naoussa
Where is Koutsi and why is it significant?
Koutsi is a “cru” of Nemea.. its a limestone-rich region that sits at around 650M. It is the headquarters of Gaia.
Where are the indigenous grapes Tsaousi and Moschatella planted?
The island of Cephalonia
When was the first Greek co-op established and what is its significance?
1934 on Samos - established by the government to absorb excess crops. At this time, quantity ruled over quality and people were just trying to get by through a series of armed conflicts and phylloxera.
Where are Anchialos and Messenikola?
PDOs of Thessaly
Anchialos is rarely seen on the market - 80% Roditis/20% Savatiano
Messenikola is the 2nd Greek PDO to authorize international varietals.. Mavro Messenikola w/ max 30% Carignan/Syrah
What is Verdea and where is it made?
Verdea is one of Greece’s two traditional PGIs, besides Retsina. It is made on the island of Zakynthos in the Ionians. An oxidative white that has been produced since the 19th century, of the grapes Skiadopoulo + Pavlos, Robola, Goustolidi and other native varietals
What and where is the Mount Athos Vineyard?
On the “furthest north finger” protruding from Macedonia - defined as an Area PGI
- 70ha vineyard; fruit divided between monk-owned Mylopotamos and Tsantali
- 720 to 820ft on sandy clay loam; half planted to cab sauv the rest to varietals of the area + grenache, chard
- famous for its beauty and mysticism, over a dozen monasteries on the peninsula. Import to the Eastern Orthodox church. No women allowed to walk the vines.
What percentage of Greek wine is PDO?
As of 2015/2016, only 19.62% is PDO. 48.69% is white.
What grape and place does the Tsilego clone belong to?
Mavrodaphne on the island of Cephalonia, used to make fortified sweet wines
PDO Robolo of Cephalonia - what is it, why is it important, what’s it like there
Elegant and refreshing dry whites from 100% Robola
Fragmented appellation occupying parts of the central and southern part of the island.
Vineyards must be at least 50M; the best wines come from 400 to 800M on the rocky, limestone rich slopes of Mount Ainos
What is Mavrodaphne’s two important PDOs for dessert-style wines? What is its allowed blending partner in those?
Mavrodaphne of Patras and Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia. Blended with Corinthiaki (vitis vinifera commonly used to make raisins)
Where is Paros and what are the main varieties and styles of wine here?
The center of the Cyclades.. hot and dry, but more sheltered than Santorini and its other neighbors.
Main variiertes: Mandilaria, Monemvasia, Assyrtiko, Savatiano
What grapes are common to the Evia PGI?
Evia’s varietals are where Central Greece and the Aegean Islands meet.
Central Greece varieties: Savatiano dominates, with Roditis, Malagousia, Agiorgitiko, and the regular intl guys
the Aegean mainstays: Assyrtiko, Mandilaria, and Liatiko. Vradiano is local but not significantly planted.
What are the requirements of the Monemvasia-Malvasia PDO?
- Min. 51% Monemvasia with the balance composed of Assyrtiko, Asproudes, and Kydonitsa.
- The grapes must be dried; fortification is optional.
- At least 2 years in barrel
- Can be single vintage or a blend of vintages, in which the most recent vintage is labelled
What is Domaine Porto Carras’ historical significance?
Launched in 1970 with famed Bordeaux enologist Emile Peynaud as the consultant - major player in Greece’s move towards quality
What are the 4 PDOs of Macedonia?
Goumenissa
Amyntea
Slopes of Meliton
Naoussa
Describe Roditis as a varietal.
Second most widely planted grape in Greece - mostly bc of its role as a base wine for Retsina. Cultivated all over the mainland, especially in Central Greece, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, Thrace, and Macedonia. Pink skinned and vigorous, and neutral. Best expression comes from Patras.
How many PDOs does Greece have?
33
What is backstory of the Monemvasia-Malvasia PDO? Why are both names used and hyphenated?
There was a port town named Monemvasia, that gave name to a widely traded/famous sweet wine in the 13th Century. There was also the grape Monemvasia, which could have been used in the blend. The Venetians renamed the port and the town Malvasia; the name Malvasia became so synonymous with dessert wine that Crete even started making its own Malvasia. none of this has anything to do with the actual grape Malvasia. When the region won its bid to become PDO in 2010, the govt linked both names.
What are the main white grapes of Santorini?
Red grapes?
Assyrtiko (about 80% of plantings) Athiri Aidani Thrapsathiri, Platani - present but not significant Mandilaria Mavrotragano
Describe Assyrtiko as a varietal.
Blended with Aidani and Athiri in Santorini - comprises 75%+ of the blend. Known for being drought tolerant, adaptive and disease resistant. Naturally high levels of tartaric acid keep the wines crisp despite heat. Prone to oxidation in the cellar.
Beyond Santorini: features in several PDOs but as a minor component of a blend. Rhone (Malagousia and Athiri). Slopes of Meliton (Athiri and Roditis). In Crete with a laundry list of others.
Who was the first major outside winery to set up shop on Santorini?
Boutari
What are the grapes and styles of PDO Rhodes?
Whites - dry to sweet: min 70% Athiri
Rose/Red - dry to sweet: min 70% mandilaria
Quality sparking white/Rose - full range brut to doux
Where is Arcadia? Describe its location and the general lay of the land.
Arcadia lies in the center of the Peloponnese, touching the Argolikos Gulf in the east and extending/expanding as it goes inland. The coolest most continental of the Peloponnese. White grapes thrive here and even struggle to ripen in some places
For what reasons did the Ionian Islands’ viticulture fare better and enjoy stability than the rest of Greece?
The Ionian Islands never fell under the rule of the Ottoman Empire - they were ruled by the Venetians for over 400 years, from 1386 to 1797. They were owned by France for a hot minute and then fell under the protectorate of the British state until joining the Greek state in 1864. They were never subject to the Ottoman’s punitive taxes and enjoying the support of ownership that
What 2 major winemaking firms are credited with the overall higher quality of wine in Macedonia and why?
The Tsantalis and the Boutaris are based in Macedonia and historically have fulfilled the role that govt co-ops played in other regions; however, bc they are commercial and not govt operations, there was greater pressure for quality on the growers.
Explain Retsina as you would to a guest or customer.
Retsina is characterized by its distinctive pine flavor, present due to the addition of pine resin. Its a tradition that traces its roots to antiquity when clay wine vessels were sealed with pine resin. Modern day retsina production spiked with tourism in the 50s/60s, to help improve rustic and off flavors in the wine of the time. Clay vessels were no longer in use, so retsina is added as a flavoring agent in the first part of fermentation via a method akin to a tea bag.
What are the Pindos?
The major mountain range in Greece, running down the spine. An southern extension of the Alps. It extends from the north, through the Peloponnese and under the sea where it occasionally surfaces as islands.
Describe Savatiano as a varietal.
Most widely planted variety in Greece - long history as base wine of Retsina. Especially ubiquitous in Attica and Central Greece. Can be high quality and age-worth. Ex: Papagiannakos in Attica.
Which two of Greece’s PDOs are unique in not being dedicated entirely to indigenous varieties?
Slopes of Meliton and Messenikola
Describe Xinomavro as a varietal.
This is the flagship red of northern Greece. When made well, often compared to Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo. Tannin/acid are high here - color tends to be light. Sensitive to oxidation. Never fruity - tends towards tomato, herb, olive, and sour cherry. Planted widely in Macedonia and Thrace - occasionally blended with Syrah and Merlot. Notable in Amyntea, Goumenissa, Naoussa, and Rapsani PDOs.
Where is the Zitsa PDO?
In Epirus’ Ionnina district. Debina is the grape - still, semi-sparkling or sparkling, both dry and off dry, tank or traditional.
What is Tsipouro?
Greek grappa
Describe Mandilaria as a varietal
- where is it notable
- what grapes is it commonly blended with
Red; Darkly hued, low in alcohol and aromatics but high in tannins and acid. Typically blended…
Crete: paired with Kotsifali or Liatiko
Paros: Monemvasia (white grape)
Santorini: most widely planted red grape; blended with Mavrotragnano
Rhodes: the only PDO that does Mandilaria solo (the extended growing season here allows it to gain more body)
**Archanes, Candia, Paros, Peza, Rhodes, Sitia
Wines from what grape are referred to as “Blood of Hercules” and why?
Agioritiko
Legend has it that this wine gave him the strength to defeat the Nemean lion
What five large Greek wine companies are credited with spearheading Greece’s big move to quality?
Boutari* especially significant, as they established satellite wineries in major appellations and sent their people to study in France Achaia Clauss Kambas Kourtakis Tsantali
What are the most widely planted varieties in Thessaly?
Muscat of Hamburg and Roditis. Muscat is most commonly used as a table grape of in production of tsipouri. Roditis is a feature grape of the Anchialos PDO, planted in various district and area PGIs, and feeds local retsina production.
What PDO was created solely for the vineyards of Domaine Porto Carras?
Slopes of Meliton PDO
450ha under vine
Goumenissa PDO: lay of the land, grapes, climate, soils
Min 20% Negoska with Xinomavro. On the rolling foothills of Mount Paiko, 150 to 300M. Deep clay-loam soils. South facing vineyards. Warm and ample sunshine here. Riper, more generous styles of wine under this PDO. Negoska is plush and fruit forward.
What is Sterea Ellada?
Another name for Central Greece
Where is the Ilia district and what is it known for?
In the Peloponnese, SW of Achaia along the coastline of the Ionian Sea.
Flat, fertile, and rainier than other parts of the larger region
What does the term cava mean for Greek wines?
for PGI and varietal wines only; refers to a minimum of oak aging.
Whites and rose: 1 year aging with 6 in barrel
Reds: 3 years of aging with at least one year in barrel
Describe Mavrodaphne as a varietal
Red; grown primarily on the Ionian Islands and the west Peloponnese where it is made into an oxidized sweet wine comparable to tawny port. Also sometimes made into more of a ruby port-like style. Mavrodaphne of Patras and Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia are the 2 dessert PDOs.
As a dry wine, produces a deeply colored tannic wine with slightly herbal aromatics. Often blended with Refosco or Cab Sauv (no PDOs for those tho)
What is Kokkineli?
A rose of Retsina made from Roditis, a pink-skinned variety
What are the requirements for the Muscat of Cephalonia PDO?
PDO on the western end of the island - for the Muscat Blanc variety, in vin doux, vin doux natural, and vin de naturallement doux.
- VDNs from select areas, of higher ripeness levels, and of half the allowed yield can qualify/be labelled as grand cru
- 100% Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
When did Greece begin to enact its modern wine laws?
1969 and 1970 with the French AOC system as a model. Most of today’s appellations were delimited by 1971.
Amyntea PDO: lay of the land, grapes, climate, soils.
Xinomavro flies solo here - can be red, rose, or sparkling rose (tank or traditional), dry or off-dry.
One of the few PDOs for Rose in Greece.
Florina district = one of the coldest areas in Greece. Vineyards are mostly flat, sitting on a plateau that goes 520 to 720M; ringed by mountains and featuring some of Greece’s few lakes which moderate the climate here, which is continental. Sandy soils dominate with limestone and loam prevalent. Some of Greece’s only own-rooted vines are here.
Describe Muscat of Alexandria’s role in Greek wine.
Second to Muscat Blanc - but still widely planted. Only features in the PDOs of Lemnos.
Where is Rapsani and why is it significant?
The smallest of Greek PDOs and the most important in Thessaly - on the S/SE slopes of Mt Olympus, 150 to 800M. Mediterranean with high humidity and winter hail. 60 working hectares, 30 new planted in 2017. Tsantali owns 0ha but vinifies 95% of the fruit. The other 5% is vinified among a handful of small wineries.
the only PDO to feature Xinomavro outside Macedonia - here blended with Stavroto and Krasato
Describe the rainfall patterns across Greece
Rain is most abundant in the north and the west - the eastern edge of the mainland and the Aegean islands are dry. Precipitation tends to fall between October and March. Only Thrace and Macedonia regularly see summer/harvest rain.
*irrigation is common in Greece, despite technically not being allowed.
What does koulora/stefani refer to?
A vine-training method specific to Santorini, wherein the vines are trained along the ground in a basket shape. This protects the grape from the harsh hot winds.
Describe the general climate in Central Greece.
The Pindoes Mtns cover much of the region, with plains on either side. There are stark climatic differences.
The western end gets significant rainfall.
The high elevation sites in the center can be cold.
The eastern edge is hot and arid.
Compare and contrast Muscat of Rio Patras vs Muscat of Patras
Both are 100% Muscat Blanc A Petits Grains made via VDN, VDL, or by vinifying dried fruit.
Muscat of Patras: clay-based soils, lower elevation = wines heavier/richer in texture
Muscat of Rio Patras: closer to the coast with milder climate and a larger elevation range. More high toned and floral.
What are the 7 PDOs of the Peloponnese?
Mantinia Muscat of Patras Muscat of Rios Patras Mavrodaphne of Patras Patras Monemvasia-Malvasia Nemea
Gentilli and Sclavos are important producers where and why?
For the Robola of Cephalonia PDO.
Gentilli is experimenting with natural fermentations and oak aging for Robola; Sclavos is one of the few biodynamic estates in Greece.
85% of PDO Robola is made by the Cooperative of Robola Cephalonia producers, so its the smaller producers leading the quality charge
Describe Limnio as a varietal
Takes its name from the island of Limnos. Red; Highly disease and drought resistant, late-ripening but w/ uneven maturation. Light to medium hued with higher tannin and alcohol, moderate acid, and an herbal nose.
Blended with Cab Sauv/Franc in Slopes of Meliton PDO; solo in PDO Limnos
Naoussa PDO: lay of the land, grapes, climate, soils
Xinomavro - dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet
Slightly lower in elevation than Amyntea but with more vineyards on slopes. Vineyards occupy a nearly contiguous east facing band on the slopes of Mount Vermion. Soils are more clay and less sand. Climate is continental but warmer and more humid than its neighbor. Boutari put Naoussa on the map. There is now talk of crus here- 13 in all.
Describe the winemaking scene in Central Greece.
No PDOs, but has a handful of Area PGIs in the eastern half. Strong affiliation with Retsina production - therefore, Savatiano and Roditis dominate. There are reputable producers but most of the wine here is inoffensive but forgettable, destined to be carafe wine in Athens and islands.
The Pindos Mtns cover much of the area, with plains on either side.
Name any of the 15 appellations that can be listed on a Retsina label.
Evia Karystos Viotia Thebes Halkida Megara Attica Pallini Pikermi Spata Mesogia Markopoulos Peania Koropi
Describe Aidani as a varietal.
eye-AH-nee
planted on a handful of Aegean islands but most prominent in Santorini. Especially drought resistant. Blended with Athiri and Assyrtiko - acts as a softening agent, adding weight and texture as well as floral aromatics. If vilified alone (rarely the case), it shows kind of like Viognier.
What major event caused the biggest hardship for Cephalonia’s wine industry?
Earthquake in 1953 - killed thousands and residents and caused a mass exodus from the island. There was a dramatic drop in wine production that never fully recovered.
What year did Phylloxera arrive in Greece? What areas were most impacted by its spread?
- Macedonia/the north were the most immediately devastated.. its spread south was a lot more sluggish. Crete only reported phylloxera in the 1970s. Recovery was slow - rootstocks had to be purchased individually and with a depressed economy and a very long period of consecutive wars.
What is Mezza?
A dessert wine from Santorini, made from air-dried Mavrotragano grapes
What is a kanavas?
The underground storage and winemaking spaces of Santorini, usually confined for use by families for home consumption
Which part of Greece holds the highest proportion of area under vine? 2nd most?
Peloponnese
Attica/Central Greece #2
Where is Domaine Mercouri located and why is this is a significant estate?
Based n the Ilia district, SW of Achaia along the coastline of the Ionian sea. Historic winery founded in 1864, famous for planted Refosco (known locally as Mercouri). Ceased operating in 1960, resuscitated by 3rd/4th generation fam members in 1985. Blends indigenous and intl varietals expertly.
Describe Vilana as a varietal.
Native to Crete. Most widely planted white grape on the island. High-yielding, susceptible to disease, oxidation prone in the winery. Always made dry. Does best on high-elevation, poor soils. Only stands alone in Peza PDO.
What are Santorini’s 3 flagship white varieties?
Athiri, Assyrtiko, Aidani
Which four of the Ionian islands are significant for viticulture? Which contain PDOs?
Cephalonia: the largest and most significant; the only with PDOs
Corfu: the furthest north; more known as a vacay spot
Lefkada: closest to mainland, not super important
Zakynthos: home to Verdea
The Gulf of Corinth separates what two Greek parts of Greece?
The Peloponnese and Attica
Where is PDO Peza? What styles of wine are made here?
- in the Iraklion sector of Crete
- most highly regarded PDO
- for dry wines only : whites from Vilana; Reds from Mandilaria + Kotsifali
Where are PDOs Candia and Malvasia Candia? What are they used for?
New to the Iraklia area as of 2011
-Candia Whites: min. 85% Vilana + Assyrtiko, Athiri, Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, and Liatiko
-Candia Reds: min. 70% Kotsifali + Mandilaria
Malvasia category covers sweet wines - VND or VDN from Assyrtiko, Athiri, Vidiano, Thrapsathiri, and Liatiko, max. 15% Malvasia di Candia + Muscat Blanc
What are Rapsani’s featured grapes?
Xinomavro co-fermented with varying percentages of Krasato and Stavroto, historically present in equal parts but that is not often the case.
Krasato adds softness and extract.
Stavroto is difficult to cultivate (rot sensitive) - low sugars, medium acid, high tannin
What is the Hellenic Trench?
An important fault area where the African plate and the Eurasian plate meet - active volcano zone affecting the north Peloponnese, the peninsula of Athens, and the island of Evia
What wine styles are included in PDO Santorini and what grapes are involved with each?
Dry white - min 75% Assyrtiko with the balance being Athiri and Aidani
Nykteri - traditional Santorini product.. grapes are picked before dawn, pressed within a day, then aged in barrel for min. 3 months.
Sweet dried grape wine
fortified sweet dried grape wine (allowed, not used)
Where is Gaia headquartered?
Koutsi in the Nemea PDO
What is Siatista?
From western Macedonia, the Siatista PGI is a rarely seen but traditional sweet wine made of dried Xinomavro and Moschomavro grapes
Describe Moschofilero as a varietal.
pink-skinned white planted across the Peloponnese and Ionian Islands. Most prominent in Mantinia PDO, for dry and sparkling wines. High-yielding, late ripener. Prone to mutation - several clones exist. Light to medium bodied wines with elevated acid and prominent floral/citrus aromas.
What are the requirements for the Mavrodaphne of Cephalonia PDO?
- Min. 50% Mavrodaphne, co-fermented with Mavro Korinthiaki
- fortified sweet red; min. 15 to 22% alc
- Wines must be fortified during fermentation with alcohol of vinous origin (min. 95% abv), to between 5% - 10% of the volume of the spent mash, or 40% of the total volume of the finished product.
- features the particularly well-regarded clone Tsilego, giving this PDO a qualitative edge over Patras’
What is the ‘Varietal’ category in the world of Greek wine?
On the bottom rung of the ladder with Table wine. This category debuted in 2011. Vintage and variety can be displayed but not the origin of the fruit. 85% of wine must be stated vintage/variety. If more than one variety is listed, 100% must be from said varieties.
Describe Malagousia as a varietal.
Once almost extinct - saved by Evangelos Gervassiliou of Porto Carras. Does well in the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and Macedonia. Recently successful -therefore exists mostly outside of PDOs. Difficult to grow; disease sensitive. Medium to elevated acid, high alcohol, creamy texture, spicy, floral nose reminiscent of Muscat.
Where is Epirus? Describe the general lay of the land.
Westernmost region of mainland Greece - the most remote and mountainous area. Wars + population decline + 1950s arrival of phylloxera = the near end of viticulture as it once was.
Ionnina is the only district PGI - borders Albania. Contains Zitsa PDO and Metsovo PGI.
Slopes of Meliton PDO: lay of the land, grapes, climate soils
Whites: Roditis, Assyrtiko, Athiri
Reds: Limnio with Cab Sauv and Cab Franc
Single vineyard PDO of Dom. Porto Carras, created in 1982. 450ha planted. Sandy loam with limestone, 100 to 350M. In the Halkidiki region. Many of the slopes are steep, necessitating terracing. The climate is Mediterranean.
Statistically speaking…
- plantings by hectare
- indigenous varietals to intl varietals
- average vineyard holding
- how many individual growers
- how many wineries
- how many cases produced yearly
- ranking in the world of wine
- percentage of the world’s wine
- about 61,500ha
- 90% divided among about 300 indigenous varietals
- average vineyard is around 1/2ha in size
- about 160k growers
- about 1100 wineries
- 2.5million hectoliters (28 million cases of wine)
- 16th or 17th largest producer
- 1% of the world’s wine
Describe Thrace’s position and general lay of the land.
Long skinny region sandwiched between the Aegean Sea and Bulgaria.
Soils near the coast are deep and sandy. More clay and fertile further inland. Rocky and poor in the mountains.
What are the 3 xinomavro dominant PDOs of Macedonia? Which requires blending and with what grape?
Naoussa
Goumenissa - mandates min. 20% Negoska. The warmest of the 3.
Amentea
Where is Mount Vermion and what Greek PDO is it important to?
Naoussa PDO - the vineyards of this PDO lie mostly in a contiguous east facing band along the slopes
Name any Greek PDOs that include rose.
Amyntea PDO (xinomavro)
How did Moschato Aspro come to dominate Samos?
Historically, dry reds dominated production on Samos. Viticulture is interrupted by pirates in the later 15th century… residents flee the island, leaving it uninhabited for almost a century. The Ottomans bribe people to come back and Muscat Blanc is a popular planting choice. Phylloxera also sways plantings in Muscat’s favor.
**1934 law passes saying that only wines from Muscat could say they are from Samos aka Greece’s 1st rough approximation of an appellation law.
Where is Lemnos and what is it viticulturally known for?
Lemnos is the hottest and driest island in the North Aegean. It is especially flat and the soils are volcanic with rich limestone.
Dry reds from Limnio (called Kalambaki here)
Dry, semi-sweet and sweet Muscat of Alexandria
What countries border Greece to the north?
Albania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Macedonia (aka the FYROM the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Describe the general lay of the land and climate in Crete?
Long thin island running east to west, 159 miles long but only 37 miles at the widest point. A range runs the length of the mountain, creating two different climate zones. Most viticulture lies on the north side, protected from intensely hot African winds. Extremely mountainous, the only plains lay along the coast. Variations in climate run laterally - cooler temps/higher rainfall in the west, hot and arid in the east. Most of the viticultural development is in the east.
Where are the Achaia, Corinth, and Arcadia PGIs?
North Peloponnese
What labelling restrictions apply to table wines from Greece?
This is the bottom rung of the ladder.
They cannot display varietal composition, region, or vintage on the label.
Mantinia PDO - where is it, what are its grapes
Min 85% Moschofilero; if blended, the rest of it is Asproudes (generic term for indigenous white grapes) and most often Glikerithra. Still wines (dry), sparkling (tank or traditional, dry to sweet)
Where is Metsovo?
Area PGI in Epirus, on the eastern end of Ionnina district. Best known for Cabernet Sauvignon, joined by indigenous grapes Bekari and Vlahiko.
What are the main grapes of Samos?
Moschato Aspro aka Muscat Blanc occupies 95% of the vineyard area
Ritino and Fokiano make up the other 5% of vineyard area
What are the three main grapes of the Cyclades?
Assyrtiko
Monemvasia
Mandilaria - the most planted red
What are Thrace’s PDOs and PGIs?
No PDOs.
1 regional PGI: Thrace
1 district PGI: Evros (eastern end of the region)
2 area PGIs: Avdira (west) and Ismaros (east)
What is significant about the producer CAIR?
An unofficial co-op on the island Rhodes, est. 1928 and known for establishing Rhodes’ reputation for sparkling wines. They are once again the dominant producer here after the 2008 economic crisis caused many of the boutique producers in the area to close.
What does Ktima refer to?
Greek word for “estate”
What are the most important grapes of Thrace?
Mavroudi and Limnio - beyond that, a significant number of international varieties are planted.
What are the most important islands within the Cyclades for viticulture?
Santorini
Paros
What four groups are the Aegean Islands divided into? Which of the 4 is insignificant to viticulture?
1) the Cyclades
2) the Dodecanese
3) the North Aegean
4) the Sporades - do not matter viticulturally
Where is the Laconia PGI and what is it known for?
SE of the Peloponnese peninsula. Less mountainous, with inland plains and rolling hills near the coast. Rich in indigenous varietals. Most wineries here were founded in 1990s after periods of abandonment. Home of Sparta.
*historically: source of the most famous wine of Greek antiquity, Malvasia**
